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Home , Barzakh, Iblis, Israfil

Key beliefs Beliefs & teachings: The problem of Christianity is a monotheistic religion – they believe in ONE . Reasons for believing in God evil believe God is: Evil exists Omnipotent (all powerful) The Design Argument Omniscient (all knowing) Our world is too The Cosmological Omnipresent (everywhere) complicated and full of The Moral Argument Christian upbringing Benevolent (loving) intricate working Argument God is God is We all have a sense of Many people are systems, to have just benevolent omnipotent Transcendent (beyond understanding) We live in a world of Christians because they happened by chance. If right and wrong, and Immanent (personal) ‘cause and effect’. were brought up to be we came across a watch, feel feelings of guilt Eternal (no beginning and no end) Something must have a Christian. Having Moral evil = suffering caused we would assume it has when we do bad things. Forgiving (he will forgive ) ‘caused’ our world to spent so much time by been ‘designed’ due to Christians believe this have come into existence. moral conscience around other Natural evil = suffering Father its complexity. Like the The only being powerful comes from God and Christians, a belief in caused by nature watch, some assume our enough to do this is God – supports their belief God would come very world had a designer. the ‘uncaused cause’. that He is real. naturally to them. The Holy Responses: Trinity Son () 1. Suffering is a necessary part of life Life after Soul 2. Suffering is temporary 3. Suffering is a punishment Creation Our souls are: • Immortal for Heaven is traditionally Roman Catholics • God-given 4. Suffering is caused by Science tells us that our seen as a physical place believe there is a place Hell can be an Genesis 1 &2 says that • Eternal universe is approx. 14bn where God is. Jesus before heaven, where actual place of humanity’s free will God created the world in • Make us distinct years old, and our planet is called it “” or people go to have their torment and 5. Suffering is a part of God’s 6 days, and on the 7th He from the rest of approx. 4bn years old. “my Father’s house”. A sins cleansed. People suffering OR it can plan rested. Some Christians creation An explosion (The Big more modern view is be when man is take this LITERALLY and say prayers for souls • Return to God when 6. Suffering is a test of faith Bang) led to the creation of that heaven is simply separated from read this story as fact ‘with God’. to be released from we die all space, time and matter. Purgatory. God. Christians believe they will be Humans have evolved over (fundamentalist). judged on their actions in this time, through a process of Others see the Genesis life on day – natural selection. This is story as a symbolic story “Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with Parousia. called ‘evolution’. (Liberal) different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith” The suffering of Christ Beliefs & teachings: Christianity Parables One of the most detailed stories we have from the ‘Jesus’ A story used to teach a whole of Jesus’ life is the account of how he died. lesson or a moral He was sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the Jesus’ & ascension The Good Samaritan Roman Governor, and his death was to be by “Love your neighbour” crucifixion. Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 6:1; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9 Even though Christians believe that Jesus was the According to the accounts of Jesus’ burial in the NT, he was placed in a tomb late Friday son of God, it does not mean that he was somehow afternoon (Good Friday). How long he remained there is unclear, but we know that some of spared the pain and horror of his crucifixion. Jesus’ female followers went to the tomb to anoint the body. Though details of the story vary There are several ways in which the crucifixion between the 4 accounts, they all make it clear that Jesus was nowhere to be found. The sheep & the goats affects Christians today: The belief that Jesus rose from the dead is known as the resurrection and is a key teaching in “Whatever you did for the • It gives them confidence that if they accept Jesus’ the Christian faith. For Christians, it is significant evidence of the divine nature of Jesus. least of these brothers of sacrifice, sin can no longer destroy their loves mine, you did for me” because God forgives those who faithfully ask for Only Mark and Luke’s finish off their story by telling their readers that, after meeting his forgiveness disciples and asking them to carry on his good work, Jesus left them for the last time and • They believe that suffering is a part of life, just as ascended, body and soul, into Heaven. it was a part of Jesus’ life and that, having experienced it, God understands what the sufferer is going through. Salvation Miracles Salvation means ‘to be saved from a bad situation’. In Christianity, this bad situation is sin, An act which seems to and the consequences of sin. break the laws of Incarnation Sin has separated humans from God, and salvation enables humans to get close to God Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God. He is God again. nature in form, or God ‘incarnate’. Christians believe that Jesus’ death makes up for the original sin committed by & Calming the storm “The word became flesh and made his dwelling and so can bring people back to god. This is a miracle over among us” Jesus knew his death was necessary to restore the relationship between god and the • Jesus gave humanity an example to follow. believers and make the opportunity for salvation available to all people. NATURE • Even though Jesus is God in human form, he Jesus (as the Son of God) could have easily avoided being crucified. His crucifixion was the valued everyone equally: “For you are all one in result of human evil against an innocent man. It needed to happen, in order to atone for the Water into wine Christ”. sins of humanity. This was Jesus’ first miracle • God sacrificed himself on the cross to take away the sins of human beings: “For God so loved the Healing a paralysed man world that He gave His only Son” “Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with This is a HEALING miracle • Jesus is both immanent and personal different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith” Worship Practices: Christianity The in the local community Liturgical – Follows a set routine e.g. RC Sacraments The Church ahs always been involved Non-liturgical - Does not follow a set Pilgrimage A sacrament = an outward and visible sign of an inward and in caring for others. For example, in routine A pilgrimage is a visit to a place spiritual grace the Middle Ages the Charismatic – informal; spirit-inspired regarded as holy for the believer. provided education, hospitality for Rosary – a string of beads with a crucifix Protestant Churches = only 2 sacraments: Baptism and Often, the journey is also special. travellers and treatment for the sick. attached Eucharist. th Pilgrimage has always played an In the 20 century, a London church Meditation – thoughtfulness, focused important role in the history of RC & Orthodox Churches = 7 sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, set up the first Samaritans phone on a religious truth Christianity, thought it is not a Confirmation, Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Anointing service for those feeling suicidal. Quaker meetings – Completely informal, compulsory duty and many today of the Sick. In the Parable of the Sheep & the with no leader or structure see no need to go on pilgrimage. Baptism Goats, Jesus told his disciples that The Bible – regardless of the type of Jesus was baptised by John and, during the baptism, Jesus whatever they did or failed to do for worship, it will always have a focus on Some examples of Christian places experienced the Holy Spirit entering his life and heard God’s someone, however insignificant the the Bible of pilgrimage are: Lourdes, Iona, assurance that he was the Son of God. deed or situation, they did/or failed Private – worshipping alone the (Israel) and to do, for Jesus. Prayer – Communicating with God Just before his ascension, Jesus told his disciples to: “Go and Canterbury. make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the One way in which Christians out their Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. Baptism was a rite of initiation faith into action is through food into the community right from the start and there are many banks and street pastors. Why is worship important? Prayer references to baptism throughout the NT. Jesus spoke about prayer on a Eucharist Key organisations (research these!) number of occasions. Some The Eucharist is celebrated by nearly all Christian • It brings a sense of togetherness • Corrymeela – reconciliation & Christians follow set prayer (such denominations and has many names, such as Holy Communion. as a community ecumenism as the Lord’s prayer (which Jesus The central features are the same: the connection with Jesus’ • It makes a person feel closer to • Open Doors – Supports taught his disciples), whereas Last Supper, the giving of thanks for the bread and wine God persecuted Christians others make them more (consecration) and using Jesus’ words at the last supper. • It is peaceful – allowing for prayer • Spring Harvest – Mission & personal. RC Christians believe in transubstantiation – the bread & wine and meditation evangelism literally turns into the body & blood of Christ. Whereas • It is an external expression of their There different types of prayer: • Community of the cross of nails Protestants do not believe this. faith • Thanksgiving • CAFOD – Catholic Agency for • Christians praise God as the • Adoration Overseas Development eternal Being and source of • Confession • Tearfund everything that exists • Petition “Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with • Christian Aid • different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith” Beliefs & Teachings: Sunni and Shi’a Islam Key beliefs about God Sunni (majority) RISALAH: The Prophets • There is only ONE God (). The ‘oneness’ • See the elected Caliphs as the Prophethood of God is called in Adam Ibrahim • ’s final and successors of Muhammad • Muslims call God Allah, which means ‘the one true • Allah appoints greatest prophet • Follow the 6 ‘articles of faith’: God’ particular people to • Created • One of Allah’s • Received the Tawhid, the Day of Judgement, • God cannot be divided and has never had a Son. spread his messages specially by most faithful revelation of the the Prophets, , the • In the Qur’an and the , Allah has 99 ‘names’. • These people receive Allah. servants Qur’an E.g the Merciful, the Just, the Almighty… supremacy of Allah’s will and revelation from Allah • Given dominion • Opposed idolatry • A great teacher • Allah is the same God that and Christians the authority of the Qur’an. through his Angels • • A great role-model worship over the earth Risked his life to Shia Muslims (minority) • There are 25 key argue for • A military • Allah has revealed his will through his prophets by Allah • See the Imams (descendants prophets of Allah • The first human monotheism commander • Muslims share many of the beliefs that Jews and • Set up the first of Muhammad) as identified in the to communicate • A great role- Christians have about God E.g. He is the creator, Qur’an, including Muslim community Muhammad’s successors with Allah model eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, etc. Musa () and Isa in Makkah • Believe each Imam must • Allah must never be pictured • • An ancestor of (Jesus) The first Muslim • Must be respected choose his successor before • Allah is beyond understanding and nothing must ever Muhammad but not worshipped be compared to Allah. Comparing things to Allah is a he dies terrible sin • Follow the 5 ‘roots’ of Usul ad- • Din: Tawhid, Prophethood, All humans must ‘submit’ to the will of Allah (Islam : Life after death The Day of means ‘submission’) HEAVEN AND Allah’s Justice (Adalat), Judgment HELL ANGELS Resurrection and the Imamate • When all humans will be • Described in different ways • Bring Allah’s revelations The Qur’an by different Muslims to his prophets judged by Allah based on • People go to heaven or hell • Created by Allah from how they have lived • The word of Allah given to for eternity after the Day of light • Judgement will lead to Muhammad through Jibril Predestination Judgement • Usually invisible but punishment (hell) or • Originally dictated in Arabic • • Allah is in total control of all events and knows Heaven described in the sometimes take human reward (heaven) • The original words have Qur’an as a garden paradise everything that will happen form • Preceded by a state of never been altered • Hell described in the Qur’an • Because Allah is transcendent (beyond time and space), • Pure and sinless waiting in the grave called • Infallible: corrects all he is not limited by time or space as a place of fire and pain previous revelation from • • Do not have free-will BUT Faithful and righteous • While in the grave, people God Muslims will go to heaven • Have various roles • Allah does not decide what will happen are questioned by Angels • Divided into ‘Surahs • Non-Muslims and • Some are named E.g. • Humans have free-will and are responsible for their • People will be resurrected • Supplemented by the choices unrighteous Muslims will go Jibril, Mika’il, , before their judgement and the Sunnah • Humans will be judged by Allah based on their choices to hell Beliefs & Teachings: Islam The 6 Articles of Faith • Belief in Allah as the one and only God • Belief in angels The 5 Roots of Usul ad-Din • Belief in the holy books 1. Tawhid - the belief that God is one, almighty and unique. • Belief in the Prophets... 2. Divine justice (Adalat) - God will judge everyone on the Day of Judgement. e.g. Adam, Ibrahim (), Musa (Moses), Dawud 3. The prophets (nubuwwah) - who should be respected, especially Muhammad. (), Isa (Jesus). 4. Authority of the imams (imamate) - these twelve imams were chosen by God to lead Islam after Muhammad. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet. 5. (Al-Ma’ad) - Muslims will be resurrected and judged by God • Belief in the Day of Judgement... The day when the life of every human being will be assessed Significance to decide whether they go to heaven or hell. Shi’a Muslims believe that the prophets provide guidance on the past and the Qur’an. They agree that if there is • Belief in Predestination... only one God then Muslims should follow his rules. That Allah has the knowlege of all that will happen. Shi’a Muslims believe that Allah is always right and just and sometimes may act in ways that are beyond our Muslims believe that this doesn't stop human beings making understanding. Muslims believe they face judgement in the . Therefore, they need to follow the right path free choices. in their lives in order to pass any test that God sets for them. Significance They believe that leaders such as imams protect the religion and guide Muslims along the right path Knowing that there is only one God, Sunni Muslims believe that people should live following his rules. The holy books help with this as they give guidance on how Muslims can live their lives on the right path. The prophets are sent by God to teach humans how to The Imamate (Shi’a Islam) live as Allah wished and to teach how to obey his laws. A of Sunni Muslims believe that the angels record the deeds of Imamate is the Shi'a belief that all modern imams should be spiritual descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. humans on Earth, which encourages Muslims to do good if they Shi’a Muslims believe that imams protect the religion and help to guide Muslims along the right path. Today, Shi'a want to have a place in Paradise. Muslim communities are led by imams, who are seen as having been chosen by God. Shi’a Muslims believe that The belief in the Day of Judgement means believing that this life is a imams are exemplary individuals who obey all teachings and follow Shari’ah law. test and Allah determines everything, even human free will. The However, humans are still responsible and held accountable for The Twelvers is a branch of Shi’a Islam whose followers believe that there were twelve imams after the death of their actions. Muhammad. The 12th imam, however, has been kept alive by God and is hidden somewhere on Earth. Shi’a Muslims believe the 12th imam will one day make himself known and bring equality to all. Shi’a Muslims believe that the imams are necessary because people need guidance on how to live correctly. Due to their close relationship with God, the twelve imams are highly respected. The Five Pillars These are central to Muslims practices. Practices: Islam They have a big impact on the day to Greater : The Night of Power – linked to day life of a Muslim. This is the personal struggle of all Muslims to live according to the Sawm Muslims believe that the pillars support teachings of the faith. : This is an important festival that marks the main principles and beliefs of Islam, The Shahadah states the basis of faith putting God above everything the beginning of God’s revelation to Muhammad. The exact date this just as pillars are used to support a else Zakah requires them to care for others as a duty happened is not agreed on, but it is building. They can be seen as the key to Sawm requires discipline putting God above bodily needs for a believed to be one of the odd-number living a perfect Muslim life. month dates in the second half of . 1) Shahadah – declaration of faith means for 10 days leaving the material world behind and Many choose to stay awake devoting (passive)- ‘There is no God but Allah and concentrate on God’s will. themselves to prayer and reading the Muhammad is his prophet’. In Shi’a Islam How beliefs about Jihad influences Muslims today: Qur’an. This is meant to bring many they add: ‘And Ali is the friend of God’. Most recognise the difference between Greater and Lesser and blessings including entrance to heaven. “The Night of Glory is better than a 2) – prayer 3) Zakah – charitable remember to focus on Greater as that will affect any issues over Lesser thousand months.” giving The Greater jihad means they must strive at all times to be a good 4) Sawm – fasting 5) Hajj - pilgrimage Muslim doing what God wants including following the Five Pillars

The Ten Obligatory Acts Festivals Shi’a Islam, there are ten duties called the Ten Obligatory Id-ul-Adha celebrates the occasion when Allah appeared to Ibrahim in a dream and asked him to sacrifice his son Isma'il as an Acts (also known as the Ancillaries of the Faith). They include all act of obedience to God. It is a public holiday in Muslim countries and Muslims all over the world, who can afford it, sacrifice a the Five Pillars except Shahadah (which is covered by some of the sheep (sometimes a goat) as a reminder of Ibrahim's obedience to Allah. In Britain, the animal has to be killed at a additional acts). They are: slaughterhouse. They share out the meat among family, friends and the poor, who each get a third share. The day usually Salah – prayer starts with Muslims going to the for prayers, dressed in their best clothes, and thanking Allah for all the blessings they Sawm – fasting have received. The Imam preaches about sacrifice and reminds them of what they are celebrating. It is also a time when they Zakah – charitable giving visit family and friends as well as offering presents. Khums – a 20% tax on income once all expenses are deducted. Id-ul-Fitr - Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking Allah for the help and strength that he gave them Half goes to charity and half goes to Shi’a religious leaders throughout the previous month to help them practise self-control. There are special services out of doors and in , Hajj – pilgrimage processions through the streets, and of course, a special celebratory meal - eaten during daytime, the first daytime meal Jihad – the struggle to maintain the faith and defend Islam. For Muslims will have had in a month. The sermon in the mosque reminds them of forgiving and forgetting any disputes, making many Muslims this means the struggle to live by their faith as well amends and to focus on helping the poor. Some may also visit the cemetery to remember deceased family members. as possible, for example by obeying the Five Pillars, contributing Ashura – Shi’a Muslims supported Ali when the Prophet Muhammad died. Ashura commemorates the battle of in to the community or doing voluntary work. which Husayn – Ali’s grandson and an imam of Shi’a Islam – was killed. Both Ali's and Hussein's deaths gave rise to the Shia cult Amr-bil-Maruf – encouraging people to do what is good of martyrdom and to their sense of betrayal and struggle against injustice and tyranny. It is marked with a voluntary day of fasting, Nahi Anil Munkar – discouraging people from doing what is commemorating the day left the Ark, and the day that Moses was saved from the Egyptians by God. For Shia Muslims, Ashura wrong is a solemn day of mourning the martyrdom of Hussein. Shia men and women dress in black parading through the streets slapping Tawallah – to be loving towards the friends of God, including their chests and chanting. Some Shia men seek to emulate the suffering of Hussein by flagellating themselves with chains or cutting Muhammad and the Imams their foreheads until blood streams from their bodies. Some Shia leaders and groups discourage the bloodletting, saying it creates a Tabarra – disassociating from the enemies of God backward and negative image of Shia Muslims. Such leaders encourage people to donate blood. Contraception Theme A: Relationships & families Marriage & divorce Artificial – man made e.g. condom Marriage is a sacrament in some Natural – a type of practice or behaviour aimed at Sexual relationships Christian traditions; it brings a preventing pregnancy e.g. NFP (natural family Roman Catholics believe that sex should have 2 purposes: to UNITE a couple in married love and to blessing from god. In marriage, a planning) CREATE new life. Pre-marital sex is a sin, as is masturbation (as it cannot lead to procreation). couple promise to each other Some other Christians accept sex before marriage in a committed and loving relationship, as it is an through vows/promises, to be good Christianity teaches that sex should be open to the expression of love. The Bible says “Do not commit adultery”, so having sex with someone other than to each other, to be faithful, to love possibility of procreation. Therefore, by using your marriage partner is committing a sin. and cherish each other, until the contraception, you are preventing procreation Islam teaches that it is a religious duty to marry & have children. Every person should be a virgin marriage is ended by death. The from happening. The Roman Catholic Church before marriage, and observe chastity before and during marriage. rings represent the eternal bond the teaches that the use of contraception is a sin. The couple are entering into, in front of Church of teaches that sex should open to God. procreation, however, it accepts that sex is also an Gender equality expression of love and promotes responsible Traditionally, men have held positions of authority in most religions. However, there is a debate For RC Christians, divorce is always parenthood. Therefore, the use of contraception about what the role of women should be. In the RC Church women cannot become . Many wrong. Marriage is a sacrament is encouraged if you cannot properly look after an argue this because: Jesus had male disciples; Jesus chose a man to lead his Church after his ascension which cannot be broken. The vows raise a child. You should wait until you’re ready. (Peter); A woman cannot completely represent Christ during the Eucharist. In the C of E women can state “until death do us part” and become both vicars and bishops. these promises are binding. Islam teaches that children are a blessing from Some of the earliest converts to Christianity were women, for example Priscilla at Ephesus. God, if a couple wishes to have them. Muhammad “There is neither Jew nor gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and females, for you are It is possible to have an annulment, taught that parents should only have as many all one in Christ” (Galatians 3:28) which is where the marriage is set children as they can properly look after – “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female aside, as if it were never real. responsible parenthood. So Muslims can and he created them” (Genesis 1:27) should use contraception. For most other Christians, divorce is Homosexual relationships discouraged but acceptable as a last resort. It is sometimes the lesser of Families For some Christians, homosexual sex is thought to be unnatural and cannot lead to two evils, and also a necessary evil. • Nuclear – mum & dad + children pregnancy, so it is a sin and it is wrong. In places, the Bible also says it is wrong for a • Extended – Nuclear family + other relatives man to sleep with another man, which has also been used to show that homosexuality • Single-parent – mum or dad + children Christianity teaches: is wrong. • God hates divorce (OT) • Polygamy – illegal in the UK. Man + more than 1 The Qur’an sets out specific punishments for those who have homosexual wife • “Whoever divorces… then relationships. It calls these people fornicators, and punishment is severe e.g. flogging marries another; it as if he Many people would argue that the best place for or execution. raising children is within a family environment/ committed adultery” (Jesus) • We should forgive those who Religious families also provide a basis for a religious “Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with upbringing, enabling parents to educate their child in wrong us and show love to all a faith. different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith” (Jesus) Euthanasia Theme B: Religion and Life Origins of the Euthanasia is illegal in the UK, It can be seen as The Use of Animals Universe and Life Some Christians believe that the assisted suicide, therefore breaking the Suicide Many medicines are tested on animals before they can be used on humans to ensure that Act of 1961. It can be viewed as manslaughter universe was created by God in 7 they are safe. This is very controversial because many people think that it cruel and or murder and carries a prison sentence. days. This is described in the bible in Some people believe that people should have the unnecessary. However others believe that animal experimentation is necessary to make the book of Genesis. The bible says right to end their own life if they are terminally ill, breakthroughs in science and technology, and to manufacture effective cures. For that Adam and Eve were the first incapacitated or in severe pain. This is known as example many surgical procedures such as transplantation surgery were traditionally man and women. Christians who euthanasia. In the UK, this is currently against the perfected on animals. believe the literal truth of the bible law, although in some other countries it is legal Christians and Muslims are allowed to eat meat in their diets, although Muslims do not are known as Creationists. Other (Switzerland, and Belgium). Some eat pork and some Christians fast during Lent. Vegetarian: a person who does not eat Christians think the creation story is Christians believe that people should not be able meat. a metaphor for the creation of the to end their own life because all life is sacred, and Universe, but do not believe that the that the terminally ill should be cared for in Abortion world was created in 7 days. hospices at the end of their lives. The law defines abortion as “the deliberate expulsion of a foetus from the womb, with Scientists believe that the Universe was created billions of years ago and Islam tells us that Euthanasia is zulm: wrong the intention of destroying it”. In the UK abortion is allowed up until 24 weeks of a is constantly evolving. This is known doing against Allah. pregnancy under special circumstances, i.e. if two registered doctors agree that there is a the Big Bang Theory. Charles a danger to the women’s mental or physical health, the foetus will be born with Darwin was a famous scientist who Active euthanasia: being given lethal drugs to end disabilities, or the mental or physical health of existing children will be put at risk. Some came up with the theories of a persons life so there illness does not kill them. people do not believe that abortion is right because it means terminating the life of an evolution and natural selection. This Passive euthanasia: a person stops taking unborn child. However, many people believe that it is the woman who should have the theory explains that humans are medication to end their life. choice as to what happens to her body and therefore it is for her to make up her own descended from apes and that mind. There are also circumstances such as rape, genetic abnormalities or failed species are constantly evolving to Sanctity of Life contraception which cause debate on both sides of the argument. adapt to their changing Many religions believe that life is sacred because In Islam, the life of the mother takes precedence – she is a fully developed human with environment. God created it, including Islam and Christianity. responsibilities, whereas the foetus is not even born and will need everything doing for Stewardship: the idea that God Christians believe that all life is sacred, and it. created the world and that precious. Some Christians do not believe that Pro-Life: term used for arguments against abortion humans have a responsibility to anyone should take their own life or the life of Pro-choice: arguments in favour of having the CHOICE to choose an abortion look after it. someone else. Therefore some Christians believe Dominion: the belief that God that euthanasia and abortion is wrong, as it is “Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths gave humans the right to decide wrong to end a human life. In all legal systems what happens to the world and murder is the worst crime you could commit. and beliefs and for those without faith” the species in it. Key Words Pacifism: The belief that any form of violence or war is unacceptable Peace and Conflict Forgiveness: No longer feel angry towards someone Reconciliation: Making up after a quarrel or dispute and working together Nuclear Weapons Pacifism again Christians disagree with the use of Nuclear Pacifism is the belief that violence and Injustice: Unfairness, where human rights are ignored Weapons as they believe that only God has war is always wrong. Pacifists believe Justice: Do, treat, or represent someone or something with due fairness the power to end the life He created. In the international disputes can and should Peace: freedom from war and violence, especially when people live and work 10 Commandments it says “do not kill”; be peacefully resolved, and many to together happily they especially disagree with the murder of oppose the use of violence, or even Nuclear Weapons: Weapons that work by a nuclear reaction; they devastate innocent people. force, in any circumstance. Pacifists will huge areas and kill large numbers of people. Muslims are against the use of Nuclear often work to improve society and Nuclear Deterrence: the possession of nuclear weapons puts the major world Weapons because they believe they have a remove the causes of war - injustice, powers off going to war duty of care over Allah’s creation. They exploitation, the repression of Just War: going to war for a reason that is morally correct disagree with the murder of innocent minorities. There are three types of Holy War: fighting for the religious cause of God people in war and the use of Nuclear Pacifism; Weapons means the death of many 1. Absolute pacifism – violence is Just War: There are certain criteria a war must meet in order to be a ‘just’ innocent people. wrong at all times war; 2. Selective pacifism – violence is 1. It must be started by a legally recognised authority, like a Government Justice wrong under certain circumstances 2. The cause must be just Christians will fight for justice under the 3. Nuclear pacifism – no use of 3. The war must be fought to establish good or abolish evil conditions of the Just War theory. Whilst nuclear weapons 4. There must be a reasonable chance of success God desires peace, He also desires that Many Christians are pacifists as a result 5. It must be a last resort (after all negotiations for peace have failed) humans should live in justice and freedom. of Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness, 6. Only sufficient force must be used and innocent civilians must not be War goes against the teachings of Jesus, “forgive 77x7 times”. Islam is a religion harmed but it sometimes needed for the greater of peace, although many Muslims Holy War: for a war to be considered holy, religion must be the driving force. good. Muslims believe in Jihad, ‘the strive would not identify as pacifist because just the faith of the religious believer must be under threat or the right to for justice’, which can mean armed conflict of a belief in fighting to defend their worship denied. It must be the last resort, in self-defence and following to protect the common good. Radical Jihad religion. Muslims believe in inner peace efforts to find a solution. Holy war cannot be declared to force people to is not acceptable and neither is terrorism. and the concept of Ummah convert or to justify taking over other countries, nor for financial gain. Both Islam condemns violence and (brotherhood). Christians and Muslims believe fighting in a Holy War if defence of their indiscriminate killings, so wars have to be religions gets them a reward in heaven. carried out in the right way. Good & evil actions and Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment The death penalty intentions Abolished in the UK in 1965 and is now Some people suggest that those who commit the Reasons for crime & types of crime illegal in many EU countries. worst crimes are evil. Causes of crime include: upbringing, mental illness, poverty, opposition to existing laws, The Principle of Utility = an action is right if But where does evil come from? greed/hate, or addiction. it promotes the maximum happiness for the maximum number of people. Christianity: Evil is seen as the abuse of the free There are 3 key types of crimes: Crimes against the person (e.g. murder); Crimes against property will God gave to humans. In order to be able to (e.g. burglary); Crimes against the state (e.g. terrorism). The sanctity of life = God gave life, so only appreciate good, then evil has to exist. Most He has the right to take it away. Christians believe in a figure called the or St Paul tells Christians to “obey the laws of the land” . So, evil is a combination of internal and For Against external factors. Suffering • It is a justifiable • Only God has Islam: The Qu’ran says there is a devil who was For many people, suffering is an unfortunate part of living. It may be caused by something retribution for the right to take an . Iblis was expelled from paradise because natural, such as an illness, or it may be due to how people have behaved. Whatever the cause, serious crimes life he refused to bow to Adam. Iblis continually Christians believe they should try to help others who are suffering. Christians feel that they • It is a deterrent • Jesus taught a tempts and punishes humans to be wicked. Evil is should follow the example of Jesus, who helped many whom he saw were suffering, and who • It gives the message of love a mix of powerful evil being and the weakness of taught that those who believe in God should help those who suffer. victim’s family a and forgiveness humans. Heller Keller was a Christian writer and activist who became deaf and blind when she was only 19 sense of justice • It is hypocritical months old. She said “We are never really happy until we try to brighten the lives of others”. 3 aims of punishment Retribution: is the least positive of the 3 aims of Treatment of criminals punishment. It means that society, on behalf of the Christians do not disagree with discipline. They see a positive need for it: “He who spares Forgiveness victim, is getting its own back on the offender. In the the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline Forgiveness is a core Christian belief and one Old Testament it is referred to as lex talionis (the law them”. However, they may question the method used since Jesus’ teachings on love and Jesus emphasised in his teachings. of retaliation). “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a caring for people rule out any physical punishment. Instead, Christians focus on positive Christians are expected to be forgiving sanctions that help offenders to realise the error of their ways and reform. Jesus always tooth” towards those who wrong them, if they expect treated people with respect, and Christians believe they should follow his example. Deterrence: This is the belief that if offenders are to be forgiven themselves: “Forgive us our seen to be punished for wrongdoing, then this may Corporal punishment: to punish the offender by causing physical pain. It is illegal in the UK sins, as we forgive those who sin against us”. but allowed in some other parts of the world. For example some Muslim countries such as ‘put off’ others from committing that offence. The Many Christians would argue that forgiveness Iran and Saudi Arabia, allow caning as punishment for offences such as gambling and sexual offender themselves might also be put off from is not a replacement for punishment. reoffending. promiscuity. Reformation: This is the aim of punishment most Community service: offers offenders a chance to make up for what they have done and During his ministry Jesus was asked how many Christians prefer because it seeks to help offenders by receive help in reforming their behaviour. Christians are in general agreement that it is a times you should forgive someone who working with them to help them understand that their suitable punishment for fairly minor offences. wrongs you and he replied “I tell you not behaviour is harming society. It is hoped that seven times, but seventy-seven times” offenders will change their attitudes and become “Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths responsible, law-abiding members of the community. and beliefs and for those without faith” Top Quotes and Teachings

Islam

Christianity  “fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of Allah”  Any of the 10 C’s; do not lie, do not kill, do not  “every act of goodness is charity” commit adultery, do not steal, do not be jealous of  “whatever you give should be for parents, close relatives, orphans, the other’s possessions, do not worship false idols, needy and travellers, Allah is well aware of whatever good you do” qur’an believe in one God, honour your mother and father,  “be steadfast in prayer” qur’an keep the lords day holy  “this is my path leading straight so follow it” the qur’an  Love thy neighbour  “allah does not give a soul more than it can bare”  Treat others as you want to be treated  “falsehood shall never come to it” – about the qur’an (quote from the  Forgive 77x7 times Qur’an)  Forgive them father for they do not know what  “there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah” – the they are doing shahadah  The parable of ‘whatever  “he is allah the one the only” you did for the least of these you did for me’  “No vision can grasp him, he I beyond human comprehension” – Surah  “the one who is without sin should be the one to 6:103 cast the first stone” – the adulterous woman  “And he is with you wherever you may be” – Surah 57:4  Any of the beatitudes; blessed are the poor in spirit  “Muhammad is the seal of the prophets” for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, blessed are  “Each person has angels before him and behind, watching over him by those who mourn for they will be comforted, God’s command” – Qur’an 13:11 blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth,  “God does not change the condition of a people [for the worse] unless they blessed are those who hunger and thirst for change what is in themselves” – Qur’an 13:11 righteousness for they will be filled, blessed are the  “Only what God has decreed will happen to us. He is our Master: let the merciful for they will be shown mercy, blessed are believers put their trust in God” – Qur’an 9:51 the pure in heart for they will see God, blessed are  “On couches of well-woven cloth they will sit facing each other” – paradise the peacemakers for they will be called sons of  “they will dwell amid scorching wind and scalding water in the shadow of God, blessed are those who are persecuted black smoke, neither cool nor refreshing.” – Qur’an 56:42-44 - hell because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom  “the greatest jihad is to battle your own soul” of heaven  “whoever kills a person it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life it is as though he had saved all mankind”